CDC Issues Warning Related To Romaine Lettuce

With the arrival of the Thanksgiving holiday, the CDC is advising consumers, restaurants, and retailers not to eat, serve, or sell any romaine lettuce.

The news comes as the outfit investigates an outbreak of E. coli infections linked to romaine.

Health officials say it's a multi-state outbreak, at least 32 illnesses have been reported from 11 states, including 13 people who have been hospitalized.

Authorities say one person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure; but no deaths have been reported.

The CDC reported that epidemiologic evidence from the United States and Canada indicates that romaine lettuce is a likely source of the outbreak.

Authorities say the illnesses started on dates ranging from October 8, 2018 to October 31 of this year.

The CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat any romaine lettuce, and retailers and restaurants not serve or sell any, until health officials learn more about the outbreak.

Health authorities say consumers who have any type of romaine lettuce in their home should not eat it and should throw it away, even if some of it was eaten and no one has gotten sick.

This advice includes all types or uses of romaine lettuce, such as whole heads of romaine, hearts of romaine, and bags and boxes of pre-cut lettuce and salad mixes that contain romaine, including baby romaine, spring mix, and Caesar salad.

Health officials say if you do not know if the lettuce is romaine or whether a salad mix contains romaine, play it safe.

Do not eat it; just throw it away.

Restaurants and retailers are being advised by health officials that they should not serve or sell any romaine lettuce, including salads and salad mixes containing romaine.